"Antichrist"

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." 1 John 2:18 

When we hear or think about the word "antichrist", it immediately conjures up pictures of the man who is to come and set himself up as the one world leader. But there is also the "spirit of antichrist" which according to the scriptures is already at work in the world. It was there in the early church age and is here in these present days.

 

What is this spirit and what does it look like? While you can't "see" a spirit, you can certainly recognize its presence. The word "anti" means to be against. Thus "antichrist" is whatever is against Christ. The spirit of antichrist is not only against Christ but works in opposition to Christ- that is what it is and what it looks like. 

 

The primary characteristic of this spirit is that it denies that Jesus is God who came in the flesh. It portrays Him as just a good man, a teacher, a prophet, etc., but not God. This spirit, because it is in opposition to God, calls unclean what God has called clean. It calls evil what God has called good and calls good what God has called evil. It stands against everything that God stands for. It opposes God's rule, His laws, His word and His commands. We see it more evident in our culture today than in past generations. It legalizes and promotes abortion and homosexual marriage- those things that God calls an abomination. It applauds rebellion, slander, laziness, irresponsibility, adultery and fornication. It convinces mankind to "do what is right in your own eyes" instead of what is right in God's eyes. It persuades people to live by their own preferences instead of by Kingdom/God's preference-- even in the church.

 

The "spirit of antichrist" has its origin and roots in satan - the one who is a liar, deceiver and in total opposition to God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, His Word and His Kingdom. If we accept the things that are in opposition to what God says, then we have fallen prey to this spirit and must get free immediately lest we be uprooted in our faith and find ourselves drifting further and further away from the truth. This is the goal of the "spirit of antichrist"- to get you away from the truth of God's Word and eventually away from Christ. 

 

Have you believed this spirit? Are you falling for its lies? Are you in agreement with it- through your lifestyle, actions and beliefs- because its teachings have become acceptable in society? Then you must repent and start standing upon the truth of God's Word instead of against (anti) it. 

 

Have a great day. The "spirit of antichrist" is alive and well today and it is trying to pull you away from Christ.

 

For further reading:

1 John 2:22; 4:3

2 John 1:7

Judges 17:6

Proverbs 21:2

Revelation 12:9

John 8:44

Isaiah 5:20

Philippians 3:17-19